Smith Motorsports Driver Dallas Montes looked to be in good position to accomplish his goal of back to back victories this past Saturday night at Madera Speedway with 15 laps to go, but as we all know it only matters if you lead the last one.
With the laps winding down the 18 year old Bakersfield California driver found himself in 2nd place and closing in on the leader. Trevor Schlundt had led from the drop of the green but it appeared his car was going away. " The 28 (Schlundt) was better most of the night but not at the end," said Dallas. "I got under him a couple times, but he made his car really wide. I tried to be patient, but I had the 42 ( Matt Erickson) and my teammate Kenny Smith all over me."
Something had to give and with 15 to go it did. Montes got a great run down the backstretch as did Erickson on the high side. Going three wide into turn three with Montes on the bottom, the 28 car attempted to close the opening down low between three and four and made contact with Montes spinning himself. Both Montes and Schundlt were put to the rear leaving Erickson and Smith to battle for the race win. Montes drove back through in the closing laps to salvage a 4th place finish. "I had a great run on the 28 and he just kept running me down even on the straightaway. I had so much pressure from behind I had to go. I asked the official after why I got sent to the back and they said if you make contact with the leader and he spins you go to the back. As long as they are consistent with that its ok. We had a great car and I can't thank Randy, Tim and all the guys at Smith Motorsports," said Montes
Teammate Smith came home second behind Erickson. "We could have finished one two which would have been great for the team," said Crew Chief Tim Smith. "Dallas did what he had to do, but it just didn't work out."
After posting second fast time in qualifying, Montes settled in to a race pace that never saw him drop below third place, but never really challenge for the lead. "I would have had to push the car to try and lead early. The last race I was able to lead without much effort so I guess we need to work on the car a little bit. We already found some issues that for sure didn't help us so we should be better next time."
Montes would like to thanks all his sponsors including the Bakersfield Jam, RTS, Racehard, Lynch Oil, Trinity Safety Company as well as many others who make it possible. "I have so many people who are helping that just do it because they see I'm young and just chasing my dream and working hard to make it happen. They don't want recognition. They know who they are and I just want them to know I appreciate it."
To learn more about Dallas Montes follow him on twitter @ dallasm29 or visit dallasmontesracing .com or racingwest.com
